Tuna Salad with Sticky Balsamic Lemon Pearls

• Main Ingredient: Tuna
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Serves: 2 mains, 4 appetisers
• Recipe by: Sticky Balsamic

This fresh tuna salad recipe transforms a simple classic into something extraordinary with the addition of Sticky Balsamic Lemon Pearls. Bursting with bright citrus flavours, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber, this tuna salad is perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or elegant appetiser. The molecular gastronomy twist of balsamic pearls adds a sophisticated burst of tangy lemon flavour that elevates this dish from everyday to gourmet.

Why This Tuna Salad Recipe Works

Unlike traditional mayo-heavy tuna salad recipes, this fresh approach uses extra virgin olive oil and Sticky Balsamic Lemon for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired dressing. The Sticky Balsamic Lemon Pearls provide little bursts of intense citrus-balsamic flavour throughout each bite, while the creamy avocado adds richness without weighing down the dish. Fresh parsley and cucumber bring brightness and crunch, creating a perfectly balanced tuna salad that’s both healthy and indulgent.

Method:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Drain the tuna thoroughly and place it in a large mixing bowl. Dice the avocado and cucumber into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1.5cm (0.5 inch) cubes. Finely chop the fresh parsley.
2. Combine the Base: Add the diced avocado, cucumber, and chopped parsley to the bowl with the tuna. Gently break up any large chunks of tuna with a fork, but avoid over-mixing to maintain texture.
3. Create the Dressing: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and Sticky Balsamic Lemon over the tuna mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you prefer extra citrus brightness, though the balsamic lemon provides plenty of tang on its own.
4. Presentation: Transfer to a serving bowl or plate. This tuna salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the creamy texture of the avocado and the integrity of the balsamic pearls.
5. Add the Finishing Touch: Garnish with Sticky Balsamic Lemon Pearls. These delicate pearls will burst in your mouth, releasing an intense lemon-balsamic flavour.
6. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This versatile tuna salad can be served in multiple ways:

• As a main dish: Serve over mixed greens or baby spinach for a complete meal
• In a sandwich: Pile onto toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread
• With crackers: Serve alongside artisan crackers for an elegant appetizer
• In lettuce cups: Spoon into butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option
• On avocado toast: Top crusty bread with this tuna salad for a trendy brunch dish